Historically, California has been one of the most cannabis tolerant states, having first decriminalized marijuana in 1975. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use.

Unfortunately, voters failed to legalize marijuana for recreational use when it was put up for a vote under Proposition 19 in 2010, BUT, The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) was passed on November 8th, 2016, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21! As of today (January 1st 2018) recreational cannabis shops are open! If you’re over 21, go find a shop and support your newfound recreational markets! Shops are popping up all over the place, go get some good Cali green!

As a result of the newfound recreational legality, adults are legally allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana at a time and cultivate up to 6 plants – as long as they are out of public view.

Individuals seeking a medical marijuana identification card must first prove they are over the age of 18 and a California resident. A qualified patient may possess up to 8 ounces (.5 lbs) of marijuana at one time. Qualified patients are also allowed to grow up to 6 mature plants or 12 immature plants.

Culturally, California is pretty accepting of recreational pot. The state renowned for growing marijuana outdoors, but an unfortunate consequence of this is that many illegal growers have a reputation for damaging the National Forest. In addition to polluting nature, growers are threatening the ecosystem because marijuana is a non-native plant. If recreational use is legalized, people will be able to grow in more public places (like their backyards) and the threat to the National Forest will be reduced or eliminated.

Kush encourages discretion for all travelers. It isn’t unusual to see and smell weed in public in California but use common sense and courtesy. Vape pens are often the best way to consume if you must in a public area. Don’t drive while high – you can be convicted of a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana in California.

If you are a lawyer in California who would like to advertise your services here, please email us at info@greentours.com.

California Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marijuana legal in California?

As of November 2016, both recreational and medical marijuana are legal. In order to purchase from a licensed medical dispensary, you need a medical marijuana card, which you can get from specific doctors in the state. You must be a resident of California to get a card. Recreational shops are now open, and all you will need is a state-issued form of identification if you’re over 21!

Can I get my Medical Card if I am not a California Resident?

No, legally you cannot get your medical marijuana card if you are not a California resident. That being said, you may hear stories of shady places giving them out to non-residents. Medical cards are also not required to purchase Cannabis recreationally.

Where can I buy it?

If you are a California resident with a Medical Marijuana Card you can visit any of the thousands of state-licensed dispensaries in California. The best prices and deals are of course available with GreenTours! You also wouldn’t want to risk visiting a dispensary that has moved or closed due to the volatile medical laws in CA. Book with us today and visit the best legal shops in town!

What do you need to purchase cannabis?

As of January 2018, to visit a medical dispensary you need a medical card, which you can get from specific doctors in the state. Now that recreational shops are open, you will just need any valid form of government-issued identification proving that you are over the age of 21, or passport if you are traveling internationally.

What types of cannabis will the stores sell?

You will see a number of different flower strains categorized by their strains ranging from strong Indicas to strong Sativas and everything in between. Each strain can have different effects so be sure to ask the budtender for assistance in choosing the best marijuana for you. Strong Sativas strains are known for their general uplifting, energizing, and head high effects while Indicas are known for their full body highs and sedative effects.
Dispensaries will also sell a number of other types of marijuana products, including but not limited to:

Concentrates: essential oils of the cannabis plant. Warning: these can be very potent!

Edibles: Cannabis infused foods, candies, or drinks. Warning: These can be very potent! Be sure to check the serving size before enjoying and remember the effects can take up to an hour to hit you.

Transdermal Products (Topicals): creams, lotions, massage oils and such infused with cannabis. These products are not psychoactive and will not get you high.

Seeds: seeds that can be used to grow your own marijuana plants. Stores will have many different strains of Indicas and Sativas.

Clones: healthy seedlings that are ready to be grown.

How much will it cost?

The price of Cannabis depends on strain and quality, but you can expect marijuana prices to be between $10 and $30 per gram.

How much Cannabis can I buy?

With your California Medical Marijuana Card, you are allowed to possess 8 ounces of usable cannabis.
Without your prescription, you can possess up to one ounce of marijuana flower.

Can I take my purchase home if I live in another state or country?

No. All Cannabis and Cannabis products purchased in California must be consumed in California.

Where can I consume my recent purchase?

Legally, you can only consume in a private residence. However, at many events in California, you will see citizens openly consuming in public as a form of civil disobedience. Since the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) was passed, the number of people consuming in public will likely rise. California police aren’t known to hassle you unless you’re being obvious, though you can be susceptible to a $100 fine. Our best recommendation is to use discretion if you choose to smoke outside of a private residence, or smoke with GreenTours at our safe and private smoking locations!

How Many Marijuana Plants Can I Grow in California?

Adults over the age of 21 are allowed to grow up to 6 plants at a time! With the outrageously fertile nature of California soil, we would love to pop some seeds in the ground in the backyard and see what happens! Imagine getting off the beach and tending to your crop of 6 beautiful cannabis plants. One of the few stipulations to this law is that all plants must be out of sight of the general public, so get a tarp!